By Arnold Neliba
NAIROBI, JULY 7, 2020 (CISA)-The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) is set to engage legislatures on the controversial Reproductive HealthCare Bill already tabled at the senate parliament.
According to a statement read by Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru on the behalf of KCCB on July 5, the Church stressed on their earlier views that some sections of the Bill go against the Constitution of Kenya in regard to the right to life and the protection of the children and family.
“In our engagement with the senate, we shall seek to defend the right to life, the dignity of children and the family as inseparable unit,” he said.
“We shall also advocate for the responsibility of the Ministry of education through Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to provide age-appropriate and value –based human sexuality education to learners. All stakeholders must be engaged in this process,” Bishop Muhatia, who is also the Chairman of KCCB-Seminary episcopal Commission added.
While expressing gratitude to Senate for its openness to engage on the bill, the bishops also appreciated individuals and groups that have continues to champion matters pertaining to sanctity of life, defense of family and protection of children.
“We call upon all Christians and people of good will to stand up and defend the family unity, the dignity of our children, the religious and positive cultural values of our people and our identity as Kenyans,” he added.
As social gatherings remain suspended and places of worship partially opened with strict restrictions, the bishops have called on Kenyans to rediscover the value of the family as the domestic Church.
“Our families have to become places where social values, virtues and morals for our children and youth are taught, encouraged and supported,” he said noting that it is the only way to deal with the social and moral evils affecting the society.
“Pope Francis reminds us that parents should always be aware of the weight of their example as they form the children in faith and morals,” he said calling on parents and care-givers to first strengthen their relationship with God and strive to be exemplary companions to their children.
